he was 17 when he did the crime
2006-07-31 04:40:39 · 10 answers · asked by the chief 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
He absolutely needs a lawyer. It may be possible to get it knocked down to a misdemeanor, which would be a big plus for the rest of his life, but this will take a lawyer to negotiate with the DA.
2006-07-31 04:45:20 · answer #1 · answered by LoneStar 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a simple comment for people who represent themselves in Court. "They have a fool for a lawyer and an a** for a client!" If your brother wants to go to jail and screw up his entire life, then by all means he should represent himself. On the other hand, if there is any reasonable excuse for his behavior or any redeeming quality as to why the Court might consider some leniency then get a lawyer. A lawyer can tell you all of the elements of the crime you've been charged with, any lesser, or more appropriate charges, any affirmative defenses that might be avaiable to him, what the prosecution must prove for him to be found guilty, how to show mistakes i the prosecution's case, etc. (Ever see the movie My Cousin Vinnie? Sometimes even a semi-incompetent attorney is better than no attorney!)
The fact that your brother is charged with a felony, by definition, he is facing a year or more in jail. Want to roll the dice without an attorney when facing a year in jail? I wouldn't. Do your brother a favor and tell him to get a lawyer (or find someone to protect him while he's in jail)!
2006-07-31 11:57:15 · answer #2 · answered by NY & NJ lawyer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on time constraints, he might want to check or have someone check for him with the DA about pre trial intervention programs. Many states have programs available to first offenders which if participated in can make the entire charge go away. These do not apply to violent offenses in most states. If this was a violent offense, have him seek legal counsel immediately.
2006-07-31 13:31:23 · answer #3 · answered by spirus40 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. It's always a good idea to have a lawyer represtenting you. especially in felony cases. that way the state attorney's office can't pull and fast ones on your bro. Felonies follow you the rest of your life. tell your bro to request a public defender if he can't afford a lawyer.
2006-07-31 11:44:58 · answer #4 · answered by bella 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have to agree with everyone above. Even a public defender is better than defending yourself. Try to get it plead down before a judge even gets bothered by it. A first time offender may get off with community service and anger management or AA or whatever citizen improvement is appropriate for the crime allegedly committed.
2006-07-31 12:03:19 · answer #5 · answered by Jason L 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would be in his best interest to obtain the services of an attorney for a felony case regardless of his age at time of commission.
2006-07-31 13:33:52 · answer #6 · answered by midnightdealer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ditto. Felony is definitely going to mean jail without a lawyer, and maybe so with one.
2006-07-31 11:44:10 · answer #7 · answered by wmp55 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would definitely suggest a lawyer for any felony case.
2006-07-31 11:43:09 · answer #8 · answered by PiccChick12 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes.
And don't say "he did the crime". That is conceding guilt.
Now, do you see why he needs a lawyer.
2006-07-31 11:44:17 · answer #9 · answered by LORD Z 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
he can speak for himself,he is the boss
2006-07-31 11:47:16 · answer #10 · answered by dale 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋